Interview with Lee Wilson [leewilson] on Whohub

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How did you begin acting?

I was an on-air personality for a national radio show and production wanted me to take an acting class with the female co-host. We would debate each other on the show about men and women in relationships. Sometimes it got pretty heated and after the show we'd hug each other just to make sure the other knew it was nothing personal.

I didn't intend on making acting a career but I really enjoyed the class. I went to a local workshop with a well-known casting director and she told me that she thought I could host TV shows. She was surprised to learn I didn't have an agent. I was planning on sending head shots out to about 10 agents in the area, but it's tough to get an agent. They have stacks of head shots on their desks every day and toss the majority in the trash. She gave me the name and number of one of the top agents around and told me to tell him that she referred me to him. Apparently that was a big deal because he invited me to his office for an interview the next week and was officially representing me the week after.

I had to start off small of course by having tiny background roles in music videos before I started being used for main roles in music videos and commercials. Then background roles came for movies and then supporting and lead roles. It happened pretty quickly for me and that is a blessing.

At what stage in your career did you realise that acting could be something you do professionally?

It was either in my first commercial or my first supporting role in a movie. Everything just felt natural. It was like things were happening very slowly and I was able to do things correctly and connected well with co-actors, directors and the camera.

Please list an Internet address where one can see something about you.

Please list the most important or defining jobs of your career.

To this point in movies/film:

-A supporting role in "The Harps" (A movie about the first serial killers in the U.S. My part, James Blesoe, was hunting them down).
-A lead role in "Broken Ways" (A movie about a young husband who made a deal with the mob).
-Lead role in "The Stop Light."

To this point in music videos:

-A reporter in the Alan Jackson video "Good Time."
-Rekindled relationship in the Brandi Carlile video, "Turpentine."
-A guy getting over his girlfriend in the Trent Summar video, "Really Never Loved Her Anyway."

The rest really aren't large enough roles to mention.

It's kept up with at http://www.lee-wilson.net.

Please list any famous performances that have helped you in reference to your evolution in acting.

The part as a reporter in the Alan Jackson video, "Good Time." I am contacted routinely from people I know who've seen me in that video. It's kind of funny in that people I haven't heard from in years see me in that video and freak out. What's unusual about it from a music video perspective is that my name is at the bottom of the screen because I'm playing the part of a reporter and it needed to look like a TV news report. So a few people remember the name Lee Wilson from that video if they happen to see me.

The role in the Brandi Carlile video Turpentine is also one that people seem to recognize. She's got a strong following of very loyal fans and that song is almost an anthem to some of them.

Please list three actors and three actresses that you like.

I'm sorry but I can't name just three. I look up to Mel Gibson, Clint Eastwood, Patrick Swayze, Jeffrey Donovan, Val Kilmer and Jim Kerry.

Historical actors I look up to include Ronald Reagan, Don Knotts and James Stewart. Andy Griffith is still acting and he is one of my acting heroes.

An up and coming actor I admire for his ability and skill is Ken Fox.

As far as actresses, I admire Jennifer Aniston, Patricia Heaton and Reese
Witherspoon.

What type of psychological, physical, and emotional preparation do you do before a performance?

I usually try to put myself in the situation and determine a mindset for the character. I don't over analyze it.

What type of communication do you normally establish with directors?

I usually see the script first and after the details are worked out with my agent I usually get a call from a producer who helps me get on the same page with production in relation to my character. Once on the project the director usually does the same thing which is sometimes different from what the producer said. But I just try to stay in the moment and adjust.

What is the archetypal character in which you tend to be typecast?

Romance and action. Sometimes together. I have a martial arts background and was once a bodyguard so that seems to put me in consideration for action roles. As far as the romance part, I guess something about me, be it my look or my acting itself, looks like I could pull that off as well.

What do you do to kill time during waiting periods at casting calls?

When I first started I would just sit there and be nervous. Now, I look over the role and visit with other actors if there are a few who have appointments close to my time. They usually don't schedule guys auditioning for the same role as me at the same time so I can chat with people being considered for other parts. Sometimes I see someone I know and talk with them. I try to stay relaxed because that helps everything else fall into place. Being relaxed at an audition now is pretty easy, but at first I was a pile of nerves.

Are you continuing to educate yourself through acting classes, seminars, or other courses? Do you combine this with your normal job?

Yes, I regularly attend a small acting class and I read books on acting. I've learned so much from the class that I didn't know years ago when I'd watch an actor on TV. A good actor makes it look easy, but it's actually very complex.

How do you feel when people recognise you on the street?

I usually try to turn it back on them. Ask them what they do for a living, or, if I know them from years ago, try to ask questions about what they've been up to. I enjoy talking about my work, but sometimes people can blow it out of proportion.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in acting?

Practice sounding real. Avoid the mindset that says, "It's time to act." That's what you do in a high school play, not in a professional acting capacity. Go to classes and read books on acting. Finally, don't mistake high energy and passion for good acting. The goal of acting is to look real.

-Lee Wilson

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